DETROIT — At this year's North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, the Smart brand presented itself for the first time to the American public on January 9. This appearance on the NAIAS is the company's next step in introducing Smart in the U.S. Proof of the market potential of Smart in North America is, among others, the impressive sales success of the Smart For Two cdi in Canada. "Following the very successful start in Canada, we see potential for smart in the U.S., too," said Dr. Eckhard Cordes, board member of DaimlerChrysler, responsible for the Mercedes Car Group (MCG), during the press conference at the NAIAS. "Smart has become a strong and important brand of the Mercedes Car Group," Dr. Cordes added. Smart has already begun to build a service and sales network for the brand in the U.S. This is being done in cooperation with Mercedes-Benz USA.